It’s time for Bits & Bytes… 

… where we bring you news, innovations, and thought-provoking insights from AI, IT, and beyond. In this week’s newsletter we’re looking at: 

• Operation Trojan Shield – a honeypot leading to the biggest FBI sting operation in history 
• Carpenter’s clever tech solution leads to bust of massive theft ring in Virginia 
• Former ‘I’m a Mac’ Actor, Switches Allegiance 

 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

 

🕵️ Inside the Biggest FBI Sting Operation in History 

In Joseph Cox’s “Dark Wire” article for WIRED, the gripping tale unfolds of a Swedish gangster, known as Microsoft, whose ambitions for criminal dominance led him straight into the hands of the FBI. Microsoft’s plan involved monopolizing the drug trade and production while promoting an encrypted platform called Anøm for criminals to communicate. Unbeknownst to him, behind the facade of Anøm were FBI agents. 

Microsoft, accompanied by his mentor Butina, sought to expand Anøm’s reach across Sweden. However, disagreements arose between them regarding the platform’s distribution. Butina, wary of returning to prison, preferred selling Anøm openly, while Microsoft insisted on keeping sales underground. 

Little did they know, Anøm was a meticulously crafted trap orchestrated by the FBI, operating under the guise of Operation Trojan Shield. The FBI not only intercepted messages but also controlled the entire company, exposing the criminals at the top of the pyramid scheme. 

 TL;DR 

• Swedish gangster “Microsoft” leads FBI to multimillion-dollar crimes through ambition to monopolize drug trade and promote encrypted platform, Anøm. 
• Disagreements with mentor Butina over Anøm’s distribution highlight Microsoft’s insistence on underground sales, unwittingly walking into FBI trap. 
• FBI’s Operation Trojan Shield reveals Anøm as a honeypot, with agents covertly managing the entire company and intercepting criminal messages.

TECH HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WEB

 

🔨 Carpenter’s Revenge: Apple AirTags Lead Police to Bust Tool Theft Ring 

A 43-year-old carpenter in Virginia, frustrated by repeated thefts from his van, took matters into his own hands by placing Apple AirTags on his tools. When the thieves struck again, the AirTags proved invaluable, enabling him and the police to trace the stolen tools to a storage unit. The discovery led to the recovery of not only his own tools but also approximately 15,000 other stolen items, including tools from local businesses, vehicles, homes, and fellow carpenters, uncovering a large-scale theft ring. 

 

🍏 Justin Long, Former ‘I’m a Mac’ Actor, Switches Allegiance 

Known for his role as the ‘I’m a Mac’ guy in Apple’s iconic commercials (yes… we’re old), Justin Long made a surprising switch in allegiance. In a 30-second skit for Qualcomm at the Computex trade show in Taiwan, Long showcased a Qualcomm-powered Windows PC, highlighting its benefits while fending off notifications about app compatibility, low disk space, and low battery. This move signals a direct challenge by Qualcomm and Microsoft to the MacBook Air, with The Verge noting that “The Mac vs. PC war is very much back on.” 

 

🦠 Kaspersky Launches Free Linux Virus Removal Tool 

Kaspersky has introduced a new virus removal tool, KVRT, tailored for the Linux platform, offering users the ability to scan their systems and eradicate malware and known threats at no cost. Despite the prevailing belief in Linux’s inherent security, Kaspersky points out the ongoing presence of real-world threats, exemplified by recent incidents like the XZ Utils backdoor. This release underscores the necessity for robust security measures even within the Linux ecosystem. 

 

TECH FOR GOOD

 

🦷 Groundbreaking Tooth Regeneration Drug Enters Human Trial Phase 

In a groundbreaking development, the world’s first human trial of a drug capable of regenerating teeth is set to commence in the coming months, following its successful testing in animals less than a year ago. This milestone opens the door for the medication to potentially hit the market by 2030.

The trial, slated to take place at Kyoto University Hospital from September 2025 to August 2026, aims to assess the effectiveness of the intravenous treatment on human dentition. Thirty male participants aged 30-64, each missing at least one molar, will undergo evaluation. Building upon promising results in ferret and mouse models, where new teeth were grown without notable side effects, this human trial marks a significant step toward revolutionizing dental care.

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